Women’s Leadership Initiative

Celebrating and fostering women’s achievements in design

In the 1920s, AIGA became the first design association in the United States to admit women. Today, women outnumber men in the membership—just as they do in design schools and design professions. Despite significant progress made by women in the last century within
and beyond the design industry, challenges remain in the pursuit and
establishment of professional leadership.

This new initiative develops AIGA’s commitment to empowering women designers and advancing the vital discourse on issues facing professional women today. The objective of this initiative is not to generalize or segregate women designers, but to recognize exemplary achievements and constructively address persistent biases and inequities. Design, the realm of problem solving and innovation, should lead the way in tackling these issues for our wide-reaching industry.

The AIGA Women’s Leadership Initiative steering committee has articulated three goals. In pursuing programs and building resources aligned with these goals, the initiative aims to be accessible and valuable for an inclusive audience—women and men, emerging designers and seasoned professionals, members and nonmembers.

Celebrate the achievements of women in design

Cultivate awareness of gender-related issues, while building knowledge and leadership skills

Connect, by facilitating relationships within and beyond the design industry

In this 90-minute interactive webcast organized by the AIGA Women's Leadership Initiative, negotiation expert Lisa Gates will teach you three key ways to become a leader in your workplace and advance your career.

In this 90-minute interactive webcast organized by the AIGA Women's Leadership Initiative, negotiation expert Lisa Gates will help you learn the fundamental skills of mutual benefit negotiations and
confidently achieve your professional goals, from solving everyday
problems to getting the salary you deserve.

In this 90-minute interactive webcast organized by the AIGA Women's Leadership Initiative, negotiation expert Lisa Gates will guide you through a process for evaluating your market, your niche, and your numbers.